Cruise Talk: Is "Paradise" really a Paradise?

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Topic: Is "Paradise" really a Paradise?

SF
First Class Passenger
Member # 407

posted 01-02-1999 10:46 PM

Thinking of taking a cruise on the new Paradise ship. Haven't heard too many reviews, anyone been on it or hear about it?
Please let us know. Thanks.

Posts: 23 | Registered: Jan 99

Patrick
First Class Passenger
Member # 364

posted 01-03-1999 08:25 AM

MS Paradise is one of a series of eight identical sisterships of Carnival Cruise Line. Of course the interior design of each of these ships is different but they look identical from outside.
Because I'm not a fan of Carnival Cruise Line, I can't tell you much about service and all that but I know that the MS Paradise is the first totally non-smoking ship of the fleet and the line seems to have success with that, which is very good.
Carnival ships look like a swimming Las Vegas and are good for people who like very noisy, crowed and party-ambiance ships. Don't expect too much elegance.

Posts: 1680 | From: OSC Luxembourg | Registered: Nov 98

SF
First Class Passenger
Member # 407

posted 01-03-1999 01:24 PM

Thanks Patrick.
We've been on a Carnival Cruise 8-9 years ago and never went back. We prefer the better lines like Holland America, and Celebrity. We also sailed with Royal Caribbean and Princess. I thought maybe this one wouldn't be as rowdy since it is a non smoking ship. Since it is so new we are still waiting to hear more info before we decide. Thanks again.

Posts: 23 | Registered: Jan 99

Joe at PwC
First Class Passenger
Member # 225

posted 01-05-1999 11:01 AM

I suspect that rowdies will be rowdies, regardless of whether they are permitted to smoke or not. Although I am a Carnival stockholder (great investment vehicle), as a passenger, I too am not fond of their "Las Vegas at sea" line of thought. I have to deal with noise and crowds on a day-to-day basis. The last place I expect to have to deal with it is when on vacation. I mean, isn't that the point? To escape from the noise?

Posts: 385 | Registered: A Long Time Ago!

20years
Just Boarded
Member # 3

posted 01-15-1999 10:58 PM

You guys are scaring me. My husband & I are sailing on Paradise at the end of this month. This is our first cruise and all of our friends recommended Carnival -- of course they are all partiers. I'll let you know how we fare.

Posts: 1 | Registered: Jan 99

SF
First Class Passenger
Member # 407

posted 01-16-1999 10:58 PM

Thanks for responding 20years. I'm sure you will have a good time on your cruise especially since it's your first. I've been told that Carnival has improved since we originally sailed with them. The food, service and elegance is not equivalent to the better lines, but it is a fun cruise line and I'm sure you'll enjoy yourselves. I'd appreciate it if you would let us know how things went.

Posts: 23 | Registered: Jan 99

helenbart
Just Boarded
Member # 591

posted 01-21-1999 09:31 AM

Nobody has to worry about cruising on Carnival. Many find it enjoyable to bash the line--because they're number one.
You get the same with them as other mega-liners. In trade for a few hundred dollars cruise cost, you get more of a sales pitch for BINGO and purchasing duty free at Carnival recommended shops (read paid advertisement) on the islands. All of which can be easily ignored. When we cruised on the Inspiration, we were able to drink our own liquor bought in the ship's duty free store. People also brought cases of Coke for drinking and mix. At $2.95 (ave ~$5?) minimum for a drink and over a dollar for a can of coke, it adds up fast. On the Celebrity Century, all liquor is held for you until packing night. Carnival has a much larger shopping mall than Celebrity. I had a hard time buying an "every-day" wrist watch from the small stand on the Century.
Reguardless of the line, I look for the newer ships with larger staterooms and then the itineraries (watch for very short stays at some ports). The rest is hype--something for the old codgers to complain about when they find a flaw in otherwise excellent value.

Posts: 9 | From: St. Louis, MO, USA | Registered: Dec 98

SF
First Class Passenger
Member # 407

posted 01-21-1999 05:18 PM

Thanks for replying helenbart. We are glad you are impressed with Carnival, but not everyone is. We have cruised on all the major lines many times and Carnival may be number one, but they are definitely not the best or the cheapest. We are not knocking their line just stating our opinion. Their new ship the Paradise however,has gotten very good reviews and we are considering trying their line again. Each line has their pro's and con's. The size of the shopping area on a ship doesn't make or break my cruise and neither does being able to bring my own liquor. If a person can afford to take a cruise they should be able to buy a few drinks on holiday. We have seen people on other lines than Carnival bring liquor and soda on board with no problems. We judge a line on other things like their service, accommodations etc...One of Carnival's con's is that it does not accommodate it's passengers as other lines do when it comes to dining hours. I do not appreciate being surprised on the ship that I did not get my choice in dining times. Other lines confirm your choice of seating upon booking. When people pay good money for a cruise they should be able to choose when they want to dine. We do agree on the fact that the newer ships usually fit our requirements better, but not everyone would agree with us. A lot of people prefer the smaller vessels. To each their own as the saying goes. Finally, just because people have different opinions or experiences on a particular cruise line does not give you the right to insult others. I'm sure all the old codgers out there as you so put it have reasons for the way they feel.

Posts: 23 | Registered: Jan 99

joe at travelpage
Administrator
Member # 622

posted 01-21-1999 05:37 PM

Thanks for sharing your opinion in a constructive and respectful manner.

Going forward, let's all try to remember that just as there are a wide variety of cruise ships and cruise lines, there are a wide variety of passengers with different likes and dislikes. This board was created to allow people to share those opinions - let's try to do so in a constructive manner.

Thanks,

Joe at TravelPage.com

Posts: 29976 | From: Great Falls, Virginia | Registered: A Long Time Ago!

SF
First Class Passenger
Member # 407

posted 01-21-1999 09:59 PM

Joe thanks for taking the time to reply. I couldn't agree with you more.

Posts: 23 | Registered: Jan 99

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